‘Smart’ drumlines deployed
EXTRA “smart” drumlines will be deployed off the NSW coastline after they were found to be five times more effective than mesh nets in preventing shark attacks.
In a bid to keep swimmers safe, the state government began using the technology along the NSW north coast last summer. The trial resulted in 37 target sharks, including 31 great whites, caught by 25 drumlines. Mesh nets however, caught seven target sharks, including three great whites, in the same period.
“You can’t argue with the data – SMART drumlines have proven to be five times more effective than mesh nets on the North Coast during our sixmonth trial earlier this year,” Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said.
An extra 85 drumlines will be deployed along the state’s coast, with 10 to be trialled in including in waters off the Byron Bay region.